"No matter which nation a person belongs to, people's inherent needs and requirements are essentially the same." - Do you agree with this statement? How relevant is this statement in the context of marketing?

What will be an ideal response?

Student answers will vary. The statement may be true to the extent that the essential requirements, our physiological needs, are indeed the same. However, there is no denying that people's choices and preferences are shaped by the society they live in. No matter how much nations and regions integrate their trading policies and standards, each nation still has unique features. Its readiness for different products and services, and its attractiveness as a market, depend on its economic, political-legal, and cultural environments. In the context of marketing, therefore, it is important to understand these differences and identify the precise need a particular product or service satisfies to be able to position the product effectively. Straight extensions may not always work, nor will standardized communication strategies in countries that are significantly different.